Linking London Uni Connect Update - October 2026
October 2026 update from Uni Connect.
Phase 2 of our BTEC Transition Project has now launched across all four partner colleges: College of North West London, City of Westminster College, West Thames College and Havering Sixth Form College. This term, students will benefit from three sessions delivered by academics and outreach staff from our university partners, St Mary's University, Birkbeck, Northeastern University London and the University of East London. The sessions aim to equip BTEC students with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to make a successful transition into higher education.
Following half-term, colleagues from the University of Westminster, UCL and Middlesex University will be visiting Havering Sixth Form College as part of our Care to Careers and Breaking Barriers projects. These initiatives provide targeted support for care experienced students and young carers, helping them explore higher education opportunities, build confidence and make informed decisions about their futures through direct engagement with university staff.
Our next CPD Spotlight is Commuter Students: Supporting, Advising and Improving Retention webinar. With 31% of UK 18-year-old applicants intending to live at home while studying, this session will explore the barriers commuter students face, the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, and how colleges and universities can better support their transition, experience and retention.
Our Kick Start Sports project has now launched at both NCC Epping and Barnet & Southgate College, with university visits scheduled throughout November and December to the University of East London, University of West London and Middlesex University. These visits will give students the opportunity to explore university life and discover the range of higher education pathways available in sport.
Kick Start Creative has also resumed, with 65 creative BTEC students from West Thames College set to visit the University of Westminster. Students will take part in a range of creative taster sessions in Music, Animation, Film and Media, providing an insight into studying these subjects at university.
Our next Wednesday Webinar will focus on Apprenticeships, taking place on 18 November and delivered by Higher In. The session will help students explore apprenticeship opportunities and gain a better understanding of this pathway into further study and employment.